/ UNIVERSITY OF NORTH TEXAS
CENTER FOR LEARNING ENHANCEMENT
ASSESSMENT AND REDESIGN
ONLINE COURSE SYLLABUS TEMPLATE
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Course Information | Tech Requirements | Access Navigation | Requirements | Communications | Assessment | Academic Calendar | Course Evaluation | Scholarly Expectations | Resources |
Course Policies | UNT Policies |
COURSE INFORMATION
Seminar on Violence CJUS 4350
Spring 2014
CJUS 4350 (900) 3 S.H.
ON-LINE NO MANDATORY MEETINGS
Professor / Instructor Contact Information
PROFESSOR PETER JOHNSTONE PH.D.
289 J CHILTON HALL
940 369 8868
Student Assistant
Amanda Belshaw
Course Pre-requisites, Co-requisites, and/or Other Restrictions
CJUS 2100 or permission from Professor
Materials – Text, Readings, Supplementary Readings
Riedel, M., and Welsh, W. Criminal Violence: Patterns, Causes and Prevention. THIRD EDITION, Oxford, Oxford University Press, 2011. ISBN 978-0-19-973878-6 REQUIRED
About the Professor
I am Dr. Peter Johnstone, your professor. I came to UNT 6 years ago from Penn State. Originally I am from the UK where I got my BA (with Honors), LLM (Master of Law in International Criminal Law) and a Ph.D. in Comparative Law. I also have a Post Graduate Certificate in Higher Education from the Institute of Education at the University of London and an MA in History from Lyon University, I came to the US twelve years ago from the UK where I was Director of Doctoral Training Programs at Northampton University and jointly Research Fellow at the Institute of Advanced Legal Studies, University of London. This means I taught law and supervised Ph.D.’s.
Like all your professors I have authored a number of books and more than 70 scholarly articles. Recent books include; The History of Criminal Justice (5th Edition) published in July 2010 by Andersons, Drugs and Drug Trafficking was published in July 2012, Crime and Policing Crime and Let’s Talk Criminal Justice both published in 2013. I am currently working on a book about the use of an old English legal plea called The Benefit of Clergy and how this was manipulated and utilized to fit the needs of colonial America during the 17th century.
Course Description
An analysis of the incidence, patterns and causes of criminal violence; the characteristics of particular crimes (e.g. murder, robbery, rape, domestic abuse, terrorism); and society’s reaction to such violence. Prerequisite CJUS 2100 or equivalent
Course Objectives
Upon successful completion of this course students will:
Understand the major causes of violent crime
· Demonstrate an understanding of the major ethological, biological and sociological theories of violence
· Communicate explanations for violent crimes
· Understand the major explanations for sexually motivated crimes
· Explain the differences between mass murder and serial murder
· Critically assess and develop creative solutions to violent crime problems
Teaching Philosophy
In addition to the formal learning outcomes there is a bigger issue, that issue is developing creative people. It is my intention that during this course you will gain the confidence to do really well. A university education is not about trying to mold you it is the reverse; it is about trying to help you escape a mold. What you bring to the class is yourself and your desire to participate.
“The capacity to think about one’s thinking -to ponder metacognitively- and to correct it in progress is far more worthy than remembering any name, date, or number”. (Bain, K., What The Best College Teachers Do, Harvard University Press, Cambridge, Massachusetts, 2004, pp.95).
The decision to take this course is yours. Once you have made that decision you are responsible to every other course participant in the community of learners that makes up this class.
ACCESS & NAVIGATION
Access and Log in Information
This course was developed and will be facilitated utilizing the University of North Texas’ Learning Management System, Blackboard Learn. To get started with the course, please go to: https://learn.unt.edu
You will need your EUID and password to log in to the course. If you do not know your EUID or have forgotten your password, please go to: http://ams.unt.edu.
Student Resources
As a student, you will have access to:
· Student Orientation via Blackboard Learn. It is recommended that you become familiar with the tools and tutorials within the Orientation to better equip you in navigating the course.
· Blackboard’s On Demand Learning Center for Students and Blackboard Help for Students. It is recommended that you become familiar with the tools and tutorials to better equip you to navigate the course.
Being a Successful Online Student
-What Makes a Successful Online Student?
-Self Evaluation for Potential Online Students
TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS / ASSISTANCE
The following information has been provided to assist you in preparation for the technological aspect of the course.
Hardware and software necessary to use Blackboard Learn: http://www.unt.edu/helpdesk
Browser requirements: http://kb.blackboard.com/pages/viewpage.action?pageId=84639794
Computer and Internet Literacy: http://clt.odu.edu/oso/index.php?src=pe_comp_lit
Necessary plug-ins: http://www.unt.edu/helpdesk/bblearn/
Internet Access with compatible web browser
Word Processor
Student Support
The University of North Texas provides student technical support in the use of Blackboard and supported resources. The student help desk may be reached at:
Email:
Phone: 940.565-2324
In Person: Sage Hall, Room 130
Regular hours are maintained to provide support to students. Please refer to the website (http://www.unt.edu/helpdesk/hours.htm) for updated hours
RESOURCES
UNT Portal: http://my.unt.edu
UNT Blackboard Learn Student Resources: Technical Support: http://www.unt.edu/helpdesk/
UNT Library Information for Off-Campus Users:
http://www.library.unt.edu/services/for-special-audiences/offcampus/information-for-off-campus-users
UNT Computing and Information Technology Center:
http://citc.unt.edu/services-solutions/students
General access computer lab information (including locations and hours of operation) can be located at: http://www.gacl.unt.edu/
COURSE INFORMATION
How the Course is Organized
The course is divided into learning units; for example Unit 1, Defining Violence comprises of material that takes about 2 weeks to cover. As the Unit progresses you will be expected to join a discussion forum to share your thoughts about the issues raised. At the conclusion of each Unit you will have the opportunity to take a quiz related to the specific material covered in that unit.
What Should Students Do First?
To access the course, login to Blackboard at learn.unt.edu. (Please read above at “Access and Navigation” for additional login instructions).
Select appropriate course under “My Courses.” The homepage for the class will include links to the assignments, course information, reading materials, and the messaging system. All group emails from Ms. Belshaw or myself will be sent through the blackboard messaging section, therefore it is your responsibility to check it regularly. Please see the “Course Information” section for the syllabus.
Correspondence for the course will take place primarily through the Messaging Section. The Messaging Section will be the first page you see upon entering the class. Therefore, it is your responsibility to read any messages you may receive. You may also correspond with Ms. Belshaw this way.
You will be responsible for completing the assignments listed in the syllabus by the due dates. No late assignments will be accepted (Please read below for more information on assignments, tests, and due dates).
How Students Should Proceed Each Week for Class Activities
Students should follow the syllabus. As the course develops, new Units will become available to you. You may not work ahead on Units that have not opened yet. Please refer closely to the Course Calendar for the dates of each Unit, as well as the dates for all assignments. On your homepage you will have a folder marked “Units”. Click on this folder. Click on the appropriate Unit to find the required readings and assignments. Further instructions for the assignments will be found within the reading.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS
1. The student will access and follow all course instructions found in the weekly/unit content area of the Blackboard course.
2.The student will complete the assigned ‘online’ exams/quizzes by accessing the ‘assessment’ tool in the Blackboard course: Weekly for quizzes and under the ‘exam’ section for mid-term and final examinations
3.The student will respond to posted online course discussion questions using the Blackboard discussion tool.
4.The student will complete and submit assignments electronically using the Blackboard assignment drop box tool/tab.
COMMUNICATIONS
*** For questions regarding this course please contact Amanda Belshaw at the email above. She will handle all routine matters regarding this course. If Ms. Belshaw believes that Dr. Johnstone needs to consider the matter, she will forward the message to him for consideration. If the issue is about Blackboard, contact the Help Desk at (940) 565-2324.
This course will take place completely online and will use Blackboard Learn.
If you have questions about how to work Blackboard, contact the UNT helpdesk at (940) 565-2324. Any questions relating to the course itself or reading materials may be directed to Ms. Belshaw.
ASSESSMENTS AND GRADING
Quizzes and Exams:
Exams: There will be a mid-term examination and a final examination, each worth 50 points total. Examinations will cover textbook readings and the material covered in class. There will also be Unit Quizzes and Unit Discussions. All quizzes and discussions are graded and will contribute to your final grade. There will be one multiple choice quiz for each unit. Each multiple choice quiz is worth 10 points.
Questions will be drawn from the course textbook and materials contained in the course notes. Exam and quiz questions will also be drawn from materials you are referred to in the course notes e.g. Look up and familiarize yourself with the Ford pinto case. You are expected to look up this case and be sufficiently familiar with the material to answer questions about the case and the outcome.
Discussions:
In addition to exams there will be points awarded for discussion participation. Questions will be posted by Professor Johnstone and you are expected to contribute answers and discussion to the topic. Each discussion entry will be eligible for a maximum of 5 points. There will be 8 discussion sessions and your best 4 entries will be carried forward to the final, 4 x 5 (maximum achievable) 20 Points.
Total points available 50 (Mid-Term) plus 50 (Final) plus 80 (Eight quizzes) plus 20 (Eight Discussion questions, best 4 carried forward) = 200
N.B. QUZZES AND EXAMS ARE TAKEN FROM THE COURSE NOTES AND THE COURSE TEXTBOOK AND MAY INCLUDE MATERIAL NOT COVERED IN THE ON-LINE COURSE LECTURE MATERIAL.
IT IS ESSENTIAL THAT YOU READ EVERY DESIGNATED CHAPTER BEFORE ATTEMPTING TO TAKE A UNIT QUIZ
Grades: A 180-200
B 160-179
C 140-159
D 120-139
F below 120
Academic Calendar
Course Schedule:
Unit 1 Defining violence and criminal violence. Course notes and chapter 1 of textbook
Unit 2 Measuring violence . Course notes and chapter 2 of textbook
Unit 3 Violence in other times and places. Course notes and chapter 3 course textbook
Unit 4 Theories of violence. Course notes and Chapter 5 pages 92-102, Chapter 6 pages 111-114, Chapter 7 pages 134-136 course textbook
Unit 5 Types of criminal violence: Murder and aggravated assault and Chapter 4 course textbook
Mid-Term Exam
Unit 6 Types of criminal violence: Sexual violence and Chapter 6 course textbook
Unit 7 Types of violence: Terrorism as violent crime and Chapter 14 course textbook
Unit 8 Types of violence: Mass killing
Final Exam
SCHOLARLY EXPECTATIONS
All works submitted for credit must be original works created by the scholar uniquely for the class. It is considered inappropriate and unethical, particularly at the graduate level, to make duplicate submissions of a single work for credit in multiple classes, unless specifically requested by the instructor. Work submitted at the graduate level is expected to demonstrate higher-order thinking skills and be of significantly higher quality than work produced at the undergraduate level.
Course Policies
The Messaging Section in Blackboard will be used for primary communication to the class as a whole. I advise you check this section frequently.
It is your responsibility to utilize a computer system that works and is compatible with the UNT online system/Blackboard Learn. This is especially critical during examination times. I would recommend that you take your exams on the UNT campus if possible. If that is not possible, I would recommend you avoid waiting until the last minute to take your exam in case problems arise. Only problems as the result of the UNT online system/Blackboard Learn will result in modification of due dates.
Make Up Policy
There are no make-up tests/quizzes/assignments in this class with the exception of authorized absences according to University policies prescribing authorized absences in certain situations. I reserve the right to consider extreme circumstances and modify this rule. Those in athletics, those who are absent for religious holidays, and/or those involved in other school supported activities that require being absent from class will be allowed make up if proper procedures are followed in requesting an excused absence. I must have written documentation in advance that you will be away from class for the absence to be excused (e.g., traveling for a basketball game).
There is absolutely no make-up for assignments turned in late unless authorized as a result of university related absence or through prior consultation and approval by myself. Assignments as a result of authorized absences must be turned in within 3 days of returning from the authorized absence.
Only problems as the result of the UNT online system/Blackboard Learn will result in modification of due dates.
Participation, Preparation and Behavior
To be successful at learning and understanding the material in this class, it is essential that you read and complete the assigned material and engage in thoughtful online discussions. Your active participation, along with your willingness to engage in thoughtful online discussions regarding correctional systems will be taken into account at all times during the semester.
An online classroom, at least during times of online discussion, is a place to express ideas, opinions, and engage in thoughtful discussions. Students will respect the views and opinions of others at all times or their status in the course will be re-examined. In sum, simply be appropriate during online interactions. Each student brings unique insight and perspectives, and that can make for a very interesting and lively discussion forum, but just please be appropriate and respectful of others. Please review the undergraduate catalog concerning conduct that adversely affects the university community.